Animals hit the podium in New York Pet Fashion Show

From birds to dogs, animals from around the country gathered at the Hotel Pennsylvania for the 11th edition of the New York Pet Fashion Show at Fashion Week in New York.

1. Rule New York Pet Fashion Show Number: You only have one entry, so you better work.

 

This is not a hoax Paris contradanza track. This is the New York Pet Fashion Show - the most revered of all pet fashion shows - in fact the only fashion show for pets that matters in the world. You think we're just going to walk through the door? DO NOT. Want to turn your head? You better sit your ass in a shopping plush seat, engages in the best of velvet and gold, and beat upon that crown. You are a queen among queens. And you are there.

2. New York Pet Fashion Show no room for nerves to leave the elevator

Eric Thayer / Reuters

Of course, the ribs are high. This is the fashion of New York hotter. But you have in your game at any time. Once the elevator doors open, that is.

3. The proper context is always essential for the perfect pose.

 

Guess What? This dog has its own crazy throne. You want people to take you seriously? It is best not to walk on a red carpet and expect people to just have a throne for you is. Bring your own royal seat and then work.

4. Essentially various modes are required.

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How do we know how fabulous every dog ​​is if man is not so fabulously dressed?

5. Everyone is free and should be treated as such.

AP Photo / John Minchillo

It is good to refer to any and all models that you find as "Her Royal Highness" and any lower than what is considered offensive name.

6. Two is always better than one.

Look, a dog with a coat and tall hat with sequins is beautiful. But two dogs in a small jacket and sequined hat? Perfection.

7. Frenemies are real.

BuzzFeed

Of course, they smile. They are looking at each other in the face. They're like "Hey, look at us, we look at how we get along." But basically, these two are channeling some fierce contempt Naomi-model Tyra. And we live for this.

8. The best cars to enforce.

BuzzFeed

He looking your best is not enough. A couture dress fantasy only get you so far. But these two know how to demand attention: Sit in a luxury car and surround yourself with flashing lights. BOOM. You are now the center of attention.

9. And so does the most beautiful hairstyles.

Eric Thayer / Reuters

Nobody is going to turn his head to a dog with a bare noggin. Slap some feathers and bows on the scalp, if you attract the cameras, honey.

10. The crowns are number one accessory.

 

Yes, of course, we are all looking for a good plug here and there. But nothing says, "Look at me I'm a dog fashion show .." As a crown of jewels.

Corona Tip 1: The operator of a crown should always keep your head above shoulders, to ensure that all problems can be seen in his glory.

 

Corona Rule 2: A dog wearing a crown should consider those looking in it is worth looking over his crowned head.

Eric Thayer / Reuters

Corona Tip 3: A crown allows the user to do whatever the hell he wants, because he wears the crown.

Eric Thayer / Reuters

 

Pig and puppy bonding

As our perpetually nonstop weeks progress, so does the pig and puppy bonding.

Pixie is at Coccolino’s every beck and call; she simply wants him to acknowledge her and she isn’t afraid to make him. The second she sees him in the morning, she doesn’t leave his side. He has grown rather tolerant and even lets her tag along on his food scrounging missions. Don’t be mistaken though – he is in charge. He gets the food and she only gets to lick his yummy lips.

I usually swoop in and rescue Cocco from the “playing” because he just wants to stop and enjoy some sun. He hasn’t been able to do that without his little black and white shadow, shadowing his piggy body and stealing his sun.

Sometimes pig even follows puppy. She went into her little tent (door kept open for her to go in and out) and they just stood together until she started to try to play.

Right after this photo was snapped, I heard the unmistakable sound of urine hitting the floor of the tent. As I was about to grab Pixie and run her out, I glare in frustration at Cocco as he looks at me during his minute long marathon pee. I can’t pick him up mid-pee because he will pee all the way until he gets outside, leaving a lovely trail. Oh Cocco…

He made up for messing her tent by joining her on a children’s chair during showtime. They squished in together and got comfy.

Even though Pixie is right in Cocco’s face most of the day, even he can’t refuse the warmth of her sweet face resting peacefully on his back.

Bringing you pig and puppy progress in big batches!

~ Katie

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Pig or dog or baby bed?

With this new D-O-G in our house, I am having trouble identifying which bed is intended for a pig. You see, there are some new cage-like things around. I never got to use one of those cages except in the car, and you better believe I decorated it quite well each time, if you know what I mean.

I should probably just cage the dog up, she is very jumpy after all, but they are surprisingly cozy so I might as well take them for my own.

Now this baby bed is really throwing me off . . .

. . . but I might as well give it a sniff, considering she liked it.

Nah, not quite right for me. I’ll leave this one for the puppy.

Hmm, this looks like a better option.

Especially if she wants it.

I’ll just make myself comfortable in that case and she can keep bouncing or pouncing or doing whatever it is those crazy puppies do. Ahh, this isn’t too bad, even if it’s a little airy.

Now this one, this is what I’m talking about. A real snug fit. I arranged it to my liking with the bed covering me up in a cagey sandwich.

This is it. I’m claiming it. Sorry, pup, go play with the music toy on the baby seat.

~ Coccolino the top pet of the house

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Cat, pig, dog progress!

Thank you all so much for your kind words and helpful tips on life with the puppy – and cat and pig. And two young kids. Yes, I do have my hands full

Pixie the pup is learning the ropes in her new home. She is playful but submissive. Maybe a little too playful for Pizzico and Coccolino. She barks at them and pounces and jumps just as any puppy would but she is already almost bigger than both of them. And cats play differently. And this pig just doesn’t play. Period.

Coccolino and Pizzico have put Pixie in her place. Cocco almost bit her a few times the first couple of days. I stuck my hand in front and my fingers intercepted his strong teeth one time. Ouch. He immediately opened his mouth when he felt my hand and I know he was just acting like the prey animal he is, using the only defenses he has. I don’t think he means to harm Pixie but I think he is frightened by her frisky energy.

I am glad Coccolino is top pig, only perhaps deferring to Pizzico. It’s actually hard to tell who is top pet around here. Pizzico and Coccolino seem like such equals without Lacci the top cat around. They seem to huddle together and wonder what this other animal is all about. One thing is for sure: Pixie is at the very bottom of the animal hierarchy. She seems to be fine with this.

I am sure I will have many stories to share about life with three very different animals though of course time is my one major limit between the kids and my Coccolino Creations business. I feel very guilty posting without getting around to visit my other blogging friends so I try to limit my posting to when I do have time to get around (and even then sometimes I can’t manage it).

Here is where I would ask for help from everyone reading this post. This blog started as a way to chronicle life with a mini pig. It has evolved to also include life with kids and pets as well as forming relationships with relevant brands that I enjoy because I love to do reviews. Now that we have yet another pet, one that will surely be upfront and center in our life as Coccolino is, I would like to hear your opinions.

Would you please respond to this poll? I will not be offended at any result (and ahh I have no idea how to make it anonymous, sorry!). I just want to make sure I am sticking by my readers.

Thank you so much for your help.

~ Katie and the species three

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Mini pig scratches his bottom over and over on video

So there is no other way to put this: pigs like their ahem, butts, scratched. It is a little vulgar for me to write that but there is really no way around this . . . or the video if you watch (a little inappropriate and comical but full pig butt scratching behavior at its finest!).

I had never seen Coccolino or a pig scratching his bottom like this before. Usually Coccolino will rub up against the wall for his scratches but this time the carpet seemed to do it. Pigs are unable to get around with their heads to scratch their behinds and they are well known for enjoying that feeling.

If a pig scratches too much, it is an indication of mange, a common problem that pigs face (lots of excessive scratching from mites that might even cause bleeding). Thankfully that is not the case with Cocco; he was just enjoying an opportunity for the jute rug to scratch his itch. I have never seen him do it so to be able to record it for the first time and share with you is just priceless

Enjoy our otherwise sweet and (somewhat) proper pig enjoying his butt self-scratched!:

~ Katie and a happily scratching Cocco

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Differences between a mini pig and puppy as a pet

Having a puppy is a lot of work! (Insert the obvious “duh” here). Little Miss Pixie is keeping me so busy.

I was so fortunate to have the upbringing I had. There was never anything I truly wanted for. Except a puppy.

That said, I should explain. I grew up with dogs. Small dogs like a toy poodle, Petey, who lived alongside me for the first 18 years of my life, and Bristol, a maltese who was with my family from when I was nine until I was 22.

Petey was the family dog that became “my” dog and always slept with me and Bristol was brought into our home for my sister on her birthday. Bristol soon became “my” dog too. He was really only attached to me and needless to say we were very close.

I always have loyalty in what came first so I wouldn’t really give Bristol a chance for the first few months, even at nine years old, because I felt so bad that Petey wasn’t getting as much attention anymore. Finally I softened and I remember the exact moment I did. I was outside with a friend of mine from school and Bristol wanted to go back in and he just looked at me with his puppy eyes. He needed me. It’s that need, that dependency, that is hard to refuse. And from that day on, he wanted only me. Even though Petey and Bristol were closest to me out of anyone, I never gave up wanting a puppy of my own to raise.

I never had a cat until I moved to Rome. I had a bunch of others pets along the way but never a mini pig and never a puppy when I was old enough to understand what having a puppy actually entailed.

And now, finally, at 34 years old, I have my puppy. I also have two little kids, a cat, a mini pig and a husband that loves to say “when you grow up, you become old” (so therefore another big kid). I have my hands full. Sometimes it’s a little much but I finally, FINALLY, feel almost complete (there is something out there waiting to fill that void. . . another pet?).

I thought it would be fun to list some of the differences I’ve noticed between having a mini pig and dog as a pet. These are just touching the surface and I’m sure there are many others I could think of. If you have a pig and a dog, please contribute!

Differences between a mini pig and a puppy/dog (of course every pet is different; this comparison is considering Coccolino as a mini pig and Pixie as a puppy):

~ A mini pig is stiff and solid, like one big chunk. A puppy is flopsy and flexible.

~ A mini pig has hair that is coarse and itchy. A puppy’s fur is super soft and cuddly.

~ A mini pig will fall asleep the second his snout touches any part of my body. A puppy needs to find the right spot.

~ A mini pig wants to cuddle or eat all day long. A puppy wants to play – A LOT.

~ A mini pig kisses with an airy vocal “ahah.” A puppy kisses with that long slobbery and irresistible tongue.

~ Mini pigs only let those they have bonded with do “privileged” things like picking them up (and not all allow this at any point). A puppy is open to engage with just about anything that moves.

~ Mini pigs might have potty accidents for a long time, even after they are potty trained. Puppies become dogs that really are potty trained.

~ Mini pigs are considered perpetual toddlers. A puppy eventually outgrows the puppy toddler phase (right? please?).

~ Mini pigs are stubborn. Puppies want to please.

~ Mini pigs demonstrate their love in a very focused way, to those that have proven their loyalty. Puppies can make anyone feel loved.

~ Mini pigs have a soulful wisdom. Puppies are a little more lighthearted.

Similarities between a mini pig and a puppy:

~ Mini pigs and puppies are determined.

~ Mini pigs and puppies do anything for food.

~ Mini pigs and puppies both use their snout/nose to lead them on their quest to find that undetectable scent.

~ Mini pigs and puppies learn quickly.

~ Mini pigs and puppies teethe but a mini pig grinds his/her teeth and a puppy just chews on the closest thing (my shoe, my daughter’s shoe, the wall…).

~ Mini pigs and puppies both make barking sounds.

Remember this video? I haven’t had a chance to capture another one of Coccolino’s puppy-like barking episodes but ever since Pixie came into the picture he has started to do it more (he never did it often so I was glad to record it).

That video brings back such laughter. I couldn’t believe our mini pig was barking like a dog and now I get two barks in the house.

Like I said, it goes without saying that every pet, mini pig puppy, cat, etc., is different and has a different personality. This comparison has been based on my experience with Coccolino and Pixie.

I did not intend for this post to be so long. I feel so crunched for time lately with all my “kids” and my business that I am so grateful to have. I just wanted to share some of this background and pig/puppy considerations with you all.

Having a puppy is such a big deal to me. I have waited my whole life to have one. Just like when a second baby comes along, it’s so hard to just stop. Just stop and soak it up and forget everything else. Because there is already another baby to take care of, too.

With Pixie, I already have all these other beings in my life and sometimes I tell myself to stop. Just stop and soak it up. Pixie is a puppy only once. Coccolino was a piglet only once. I am just trying to stop and soak it up.

Thanks everyone for reading.

~ Katie

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Pet Psychic Column – helping a pet pig in need

It is time for our Pet Psychic Column this month! We are sharing a pig named Stephanie for our December shelter pet, a pig that needs and deserves a forever home.

Nancy, an experienced pet psychic, is working with us this month to help Stephanie find a loving home.

Nancy’s help allows us to reach more potential pet parents and we are grateful to bring exposure to the shelters and rescues doing such important work.

Some quick thoughts on Stephanie:

* Stephanie is six months old and will be spayed and is up to date on routine care

* Stephanie was abandoned on a dirt road where she was picked up and taken to a high kill shelter

* Ranger’s Refuge at Gallastar was contacted and brought Stephanie to safety until a permanent family is found for her

Nancy’s Reading

Please note that all details provided in this post come directly from Nancy.

Stephanie’s Past

Nancy feels that Stephanie has had a rough beginning to her life. Nancy took some time to look into what may have happened in her past, and she got a vision of an older man and older woman who came across some hard times of their own. Nancy feels that Stephanie was happy around this couple for a while.

Nancy believes the man lost his job and finances became overwhelming for this couple. They agonized over what to do about Stephanie. Nancy feels that they wanted to keep her, but they just could not afford to any longer given their circumstances.

According to Nancy, the couple started looking for a shelter to take her in but they were not able to find one that would guarantee that she would not be euthanized. Nancy thinks that because of these slim chances to keep her alive, that is when they decided to just abandon her in hopes that her life would somehow be spared. Nancy believes that they were successful, as risky as it was.

Reading the Signs

Stephanie is a true Gemini, meaning she will have two personalities when dealing with people in her life. One personality will follow her caregivers around and want to be with them and make them laugh.

The other personality will give her new family love and space when needed.

Summing UP

Nancy feels that the couple is still suffering over abandoning her but Nancy does not think that Stephanie suffered for a long amount of time. It was hard on her until she was found and she she was saddened and confused about why the couple let her go. Thankfully she was found by the right shelter that is working hard to find her a forever home.

Stephanie is going to need a loving family to take her in and comfort her until she adjusts, often quite a while for pet pigs.

It will take Stephanie some time to recover, but she is actually very smart and will be a delight in a family home. Nancy gets a vision of three sisters who are going to give Stephanie the love she deserves. She will become the perfect pet, and will learn to follow commands and adjust to her new life very well.

Stephanie needs someone to take a chance on her. If you are that someone or you know of someone that is willing to adopt Stephanie, please contact Ranger’s Refuge at Gallastar.

* * *

Contact Information

Pet Psychic Information:

Have you ever thought about a psychic reading or an astrology compatibility reading? There are many affordable options available and the below links will help you discover what is best for you.

Nancy: Pet psychic and astrology reader. Contact Nancy to find out more about a psychic reading.

Psychic Source: Find out more about a pet reading in general

Ranger’s Rescue at Gallastar:

Gallastar Equine Center is a 501c3 nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to caring for over 100 discarded pet pigs as well as other animals in need. Many animals call Gallastar home, including dogs, cats, chickens, goats, donkeys, and horses. These animals were abandoned, abused, stray, surrendered by their family, or seized by animal control before they came into our care. At Ranger’s Refuge they are home where they belong unless an approved adopter is willing and able to adopt them permanently.

Please contact Ranger’s Refuge at Gallastar with any questions about Stephanie.

* * *

There is nothing better than connecting a family with a loving pet in need of a good home. The goal of this monthly column is to help foster this connection and also highlight the tireless effort of those at the shelters/rescues we share.

If you would like to nominate a shelter or rescue, please get in touch with me directly.

Thank you so much to Psychic Source for allowing this monthly column to exist and to all you readers that truly understand how important it is for a pet to be in a loving home.

~ Katie

This post is sponsored by Psychic Source. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Psychic Source and their services, but My Mini Pet Pig only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

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Pet Psychic Reading – Finding a forever home for Buttons

It is time for our Pet Psychic Column! For our September shelter pet, we are trying to spread the word about a dog in need of a home. The dog’s name is Buttons. The name alone is irresistible but look at that face!

Nancy, an experienced pet psychic, is helping us this month to find a forever home for Buttons.

Nancy’s experience with astrology and pet psychic readings is useful to help us find the best possible home for this one year old mix dog. Buttons is in desperate need of a loving home. Let’s help her find one.

Some quick thoughts on Buttons:

* Buttons was born in September 2013

* Buttons is a Min Pin mix female

* Buttons was about to be put down at the pound but was rescued in the knick of time by Death Row Dog Rescue

Nancy’s Reading

Please note that all details provided in this post come directly from Nancy.

Buttons’ Past

Just by looking in her eyes, Nancy is sure that Buttons has had a lot of disappointments in her short life. Nancy feels there was a younger male at one time who mistreated her, and she is very cautious around younger male figures for that reason.

Nancy also feels that Buttons was kicked and hungry all the time in her young life before she went to the pound.

Buttons’ Future

Buttons very narrowly escaped being put down at the pound where Death Row Dog Rescue found and saved her.

Nancy feels that an older loving couple should adopt her and give her love while teaching her to trust again. She would give all that love back tenfold. Nancy believes that Buttons feels more comfortable around women, and especially more mature females, especially in light of her past.

Reading the Signs

Because Buttons was born one year ago, in September, her signs point her to be a very caring and dependable dog. Her past has clouded these attributes but she will be this way in the future with the right family who will be committed to earning her trust.

Buttons enjoys being outdoors and is very playful inside. However, because she hasn’t felt very safe, she is scared to let go of her fears. Nancy knows that Buttons is very smart, in spite of or because of her past, and will learn to adjust to a new home and follow commands very easily.

Summing UP

Although she is sad inside and has doubts that anyone will love her, Nancy believes that Buttons’ fears will dissolve as soon as she finds her home. Nancy thinks a home without children, especially young children, would be best as their quick movements might frighten Buttons.

Buttons feels very stuck where she is right now but Nancy gets a vision of a woman with dark hair in her upper 30′s adopting her. This would be the perfect match for Buttons and the perfect home to establish stability in her life. This woman will know just how to earn Buttons’ trust and will indulge Buttons’ love of being pet on her head and ear area.

Buttons needs a home very soon and is currently in the Hollywood, FL, area.

Will you adopt Buttons?

* * *

Contact Information

Pet Psychic Information:

Have you ever thought about a psychic reading or an astrology compatibility reading? There are many affordable options available and the below links will help you discover what is best for you.

Nancy: Pet psychic and astrology reader. Contact Nancy to find out more about a psychic reading.

Psychic Source: Find out more about a pet reading in general

Death Row Dog Rescue:

Please contact Death Row Dog Rescue with any questions about Buttons via their Facebook page.

* * *

There is nothing better than connecting a family with a loving pet in need of a good home. The goal of this monthly column is to help foster this connection.

Thank you so much to Psychic Source for allowing this monthly column to exist and to all you readers that truly understand how important it is for a pet to be in a loving home.

~ Katie

This post is sponsored by Psychic Source. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Psychic Source and their services, but My Mini Pet Pig only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

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Piggy PetBox

Coccolino’s PetBox arrived in time to enjoy all the goodies during the holidays. He loved all the surprises inside!

Most pigs don’t play much; they just love to cuddle and eat (not necessarily in that order). Pixie brought out a side of Coccolino we never saw before. Even with the kids, he prefers to cuddle or steal food. With Pixie, he has become a playful pig. It’s a joy to watch and see him emulate her bark as they run in circles. The toys seem to really engage her and then him.

The PetBox this month included the following items:

~ Monster Ball Treat Ball
~ Jolly Jumper Treat Ball
~ Best Buddy Bites
~ Glow Skin and Coat
~ Sweet Pea Kitchen’s Apple Pie biscuits
~ Fun Beam

Because PetBox is always refreshing their stock and adding new items, some of the contents of our package do not have links.

Monster Ball Treat Ball

Some features of the Monster Ball Treat Ball:

~ Durable, erratic bouncing ball
~ Vanilla scent and flavor freshens breath
~ Made of non-toxic rubber that’s safe to chew
~ Can be filled with treats (or in Cocco’s mind, it BETTER be filled with treats)
~ Promotes oral health

The Monster Ball was a huge hit because of the monster’s “mouth” that can accommodate treats. My kids had a ball playing with Cocco and Pixie with this and the two of them were having a great time trying to catch the ball.

It almost always took them by surprise because it unpredictably bounces one way and then jumps another way. The best feature in my opinion is that while the pet chews on the ball to get the treat/s out, the ball actually cleans the pet’s teeth and freshens breath! Cocco could always use fresher breath :@)

Jolly Jumper Treat Ball

Some features of the Jolly Jumper Treat Ball:

~ Bounces erratically to make it more fun for the pets
~ Can be filled with treats
~ The nodules on the ball help massage the teeth and gums

The Jolly Jumper is the newest addition to this line of pet dispensing treats. Both Cocco and Pixie loved this ball and Cocco only stopped working on getting the treats out long enough to get it out of Pixie’s grasp.

Even when there aren’t treats inside, the pig and dog play with the ball quite often.

Best Buddy Bites

Some features of the Best Buddy Bites:

~ Made with natural, kosher ingredients
~ Perfect for dogs or pigs that have difficulty eating larger treats
~ No animal parts or by-products
~ Made in the USA

These small treats are perfect for training purposes. In this house, we never stop pig training and now we are in full blown puppy training. Who wouldn’t cooperate for these treats? Both Cocco and Pixie did!

Glow Skin and Coat

Some features of the Glow Skin and Coat:

~ Formulated to work from the inside out to nourish and soothe skin
~ Whole food goodness of fresh eggs provide 13 essential vitamins and minerals
~ Combination of nutritive ingredients help keep pets healthy, vibrant and glowing

We opted for this product because a pig can always use a little glow and nutrition for their skin. Pigs have very dry skin and it can get flaky. We have been using this every day and I think between the combination of this and his daily lotion massage, Cocco is peeling less. I will keep observing over time but this is a very useful product for pig parents.

Sweet Pea Kitchen’s Apple Pie Biscuits

Some features of the biscuits:

~ 100% vegan and dairy free
~ Made with human grade ingredients
~ Baked in small batches by hand
~ No chemicals or preservatives
~ Each treat is dehydrated for added freshness and crunchiness

These treats must be as yummy as they sound. Apple Pie biscuits! This healthy treat consists of only three ingredients: organic gluten free oat flour, apple and cinnamon. Cocco went crazy for these.

Fun Beam

Some features of the Fun Beam:

~ Great for exercise
~ Casing made from real recycled plastic
~ Designed in the USA
~ Size: 1″ x 3″

This may be more of a feline marketed toy, but our cat, dog and pig absolutely love playing with this laser light. Pizzico got first dibs to set off the fun and Pixie and then Cocco followed suit. Pizzico and Pixie follow this light all over. Cocco is more interested in the chaos that ensues and starts running around and trying to play.

This laser beam gets two thumbs up for interactive play, exercise and fun.

Being a Piggy Ambassador sure is a lot of work. Having to test out all those treats and toys, boy it’s a rough life ;@)

Check out PetBox and all their products PLUS get a 10% discount on a subscription by using code MINIPIG – definitely a fun treat for every pet, including pigs!

~ Katie and Coccolino, PetBox Brand Ambassador Piggy

I received the PetBox at no charge to me in exchange for an honest and fair review. I will only accept and review items that I believe are relevant to this blog and our lifestyle, and most importantly, the readers of this blog.

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